Johnny Griffin Quartet/ Richie Cole Group – From The Village Vanguard (1981)

by | May 27, 2008 | DVD & Blu-ray Video Reviews | 0 comments

Johnny Griffin Quartet/ Richie Cole Group – From The Village Vanguard  (1981)

Performers: Richie Cole, alto sax; Bruce Forman, guitar; Bobby Enriquez, piano; Marshall Hawkins, bass; Scott Morris, drums
Johnny Griffin, tenor sax; Ronnie Matthews, piano; Roy Drummond, bass; Kenny Washington, drums
Studio: Storyville Films 26075 (Distr. by Naxos)
Video: 4: 3 color
Audio: Dolby Digital 5.1
Length: 62 minutes
Rating: ***1/2  

Richie Cole has had a turbulent jazz career, beset by personal issues, as well as substance abuse problems. Cole, in the 70s and early 80s, was touted as the next bebop upcoming star. He re-invigorated the career of Eddie Jefferson, the noted jazz scat singer.

At other times, his playing was erratic, and there were periods in which he largely disappeared from the national jazz scene. However, at the time of his Village Vanguard engagement in 1981, Richie was playing up a storm on his alto sax. He had the colorful sidemen, Bobby “The Wild Man” Enriquez, on piano and the tasty licks of Bruce Forman, on guitar.

Here on this Storyville DVD, he gives bebop treatment to Randy Weston’s Hi-Fly and a passionate lovely reading of I Can’t Get Started. Punishment Blues, a Cole original, starts off with a wacky intro and then settles into a bluesy workout. This tune is Cole at this best. Next is Bird’s classic staple, Yardbird Suite, taken at an appropriate bop pace and featuring Enriquez in a charging solo. The set ends with Hampton’s Red Top, taken out with the closing credits.

Johnny Griffin, the Little Giant, has a set of three longer compositions, all self-penned. Johnny, the ultimate bopper, known to be among the more frenetic tenor saxists for over 50 years now, could approach Bird in notes per minute. He takes off at the starting gate and seldom lets up on the burners. Such is the case with Blues for Gonzi. Ronnie Matthews’ presence here, such as provided by George Cables for Dexter Gordon, adds class and great comping. A Monk’s Dream follows and Matthew’s extended opening solo sets the stage for Griffin’s Monk-like solo on tenor. 56 and Closing runs through the closing credits.

Acoustics on this DVD are passable and the color seems to be a bit washed out, but for Cole and Griffin collectors, a chance to hear them in their prime is a great opportunity.

TrackList: (Cole) Opening and Hi-Fly, I Can’t Get Started, Punishment Blues; Yardbird Suite, Red Top.  (Griffin): Opening and A Blues for Gonzi, A Monk’s Dream, 56 and Closing

– Jeff Krow
 

Related Reviews
Logo Pure Pleasure
Logo Crystal Records Sidebar 300 ms
Logo Jazz Detective Deep Digs Animated 01